design

Are Granite Countertops Hazardous to Your Health?

There have been some articles in the news lately about the health risks caused by granite, specifically radon and radiation emissions. After hearing about these potential problems, I decided to look into the research to better understand the concerns that have been raised.

Well, it’s actually more like politics. It depends on who is funding the research to determine if we all need to rip out our granite countertops, buy lead aprons and gas masks, or that there is actually no need for concern at all.

I will not be the person to tell you whether or not granite countertops are hazardous to your health and the health of your family, but rather give you the web sites that would provide you with information to help you form your own opinions.

Both views on the issue can be found at www.buildclean.org and www.marble-institute.com.

Bathroom Universal Design Ideas

1) Maintain 3’ a minimum clearance in front of the toilet for proper maneuverability.

2) Provide extra blocking in the walls where future grab bars or handrails may be installed. Blocking may include ¾” plywood on the entire wall surface before applying your sheet rock or installing 2x blocking between studs. Grab bars now come in a variety of colors and finishes to match your décor.

3) Install a roll in shower which has no curb or threshold. This usually entails some forethought. You can drop the floor joist just in the area of the shower to allow the top of the shower pan (which will slope to a drain) to be flush with your bathroom floor. New Tub/Shower fixtures can later convert to a curb-less shower if installed correctly in the begging.

4) Adjustable height shower heads allow you to use them standing or sitting down and placement is critical for each user.

5) There are new soft sided tubs out that allow an easier, softer entry.

Miscellaneous tips or ideas:

a) Provide access to the entries of the house with no steps by adding nice sweeping sidewalks or ramps. Plan ahead with on a garage addition or new house construction by allowing room for a ramp in the garage.

b) Create an elevated shelf just outside your door to rest items you may be carrying while you unlock your door and search for your keys.

c) Install a Laundry Chute – you just don’t see those anymore.

d) Locate your washer and dryers on pedestals to keep from bending over or for access from a seated position.

e) If you are doing an addition or building a new home plan ahead for an elevator. You don’t need to install it now - just allow room for it by stacking closets between floors.

f) Locate Electrical switches no taller than 48” above the floor and outlets no lower than 18” to allow access from the sitting position.

g) Crank operated windows are the easiest to open for all ages.

h) Adjustable height closet shelves and rods and power operated carrousels bring hanging clothes closer to you.

i) To help aid with vision change colors at countertops of different heights and use contrasting materials and colors between stair treads and risers.

Schloegel Design Remodel is CAPS certified. CAPS stands for Certified Aging in Place Specialist. It requires sensitivity to, and knowledge about people of all ages and abilities. It is the next step from accessible, adaptable, and barrier-free design concepts of the past.

Funny Fish

I just have to show you these fun colorful fishy sinks that one of my clients just selected for her Mexican style master bathroom. We ordered the handpainted sinks off of mexicantiles.com and were just delighted when they came in. She knows that they will bring a smile to her face every morning!

For more handpainted sinks and tile see www.mexicantiles.com

Universal Design

Have you heard the catch phrase or buzz words “Universal Design”? Just what is it?

Universal Design is a philosophy that allows us to live our lives at home with our families no matter what our age or ability. It is about “ability” (not disability) and encompasses design for the full human life-cycle, from begging to end.

So just what does it entail and how can it help you? Here are a few kitchen and other miscellaneous ideas.

1) There are new appliances out now that include dishwasher drawers, refrigerator drawers, and under counter ice makers. These are great for easy access for younger children, and easy reach from a wheelchair, or to keep from bending over.

2) Hard to believe but there are motorized adjustable counter tops out now. These have been located at a workstation or even at the kitchen sink to raise and lower to allow access for small children or from a wheel chair. The cabinet doors when at the fully open position can retract into the cabinet allowing you to pull up a wheel chair under the countertop.

3) Pantries are being loaded with pull outs to bring the items closer to you. No more digging in the back of your cabinets.

4) A pull out shelf just below your built-in wall oven or microwave works wonders when you have hot and heavy items to transfer.

5) Lever style sink faucets and large handles on cabinets and appliances help for an easy grasp.

6) Don’t forget to try to keep clearances between cabinets and other items at 48” minimum.

Stay tuned for another blog on Universal design addressing the Bathroom and other miscellaneous tips….

Here at Schloegel Design Remodel we are CAPS certified. CAPS stands for Certified Aging in Place Specialist. It requires sensitivity to, and knowledge about people of all ages and abilities. It is the next step from accessible, adaptable, and barrier-free design concepts of the past.

Make it work!

I hope somebody is reading this because it truly will help you with any new project. I remember being in school in a design class and a picture a teacher showed of every possible kitchen utensils, dishes, appliances strewn about a kitchen floor, it was as if a small tornado had hit. the purpose was to show us ALL those things needed a home. No mattter what room but most especially your kitchen, know what and where you want to put your possesions and define some areas.

A job I recently finished is so well organized that even my kids couldn't mess it up. There is a breakfast area that has an appliance garage for toaster, coffee maker etc. The shelves above hold all types of tea, coffee related necessities.....creamers sugars...and we are talking more than one or two kinds. the first drawer below holds silverware Below that is a drawer with cups , below that a drawer for bagels, bread....my point being that it is ALL there for family and their guests (which seems to happen a lot) It is also designed so that it is just as you enter the kitchen so that you can grab something to drink and be out of the chef's way. Be sure to think about how you use your spaces, it helps with the planning.

KBIS 2008

One of the most ingenious new products on the market that I saw at this year's Kitchen & Bath Show in Chicago is Kohler's "KARBON" kitchen faucet.

This intelligently engineered faucet holds any pose for hands-free operation. You can extend the faucet fully to fill large pots, lower it into the sink for food preparation and cleanup, fold it compactly out of the way when not in use, or position it anywhere in between. Now how fun is that?

GREEN BULBS

It seems like everywhere you look these days there is an overwhelming amount of information on "green" products, ways to live "green" and even how to eat "green". I think taking one small step at a time is the only way we can even begin to conquer this "green" frenzy that it definitely here to stay.

Lately, we've had several of our clients asking about CFLS (Compact Flourescent bulbs). CFLS are an easy and very accessible change that everyone can make to reduce energy costs. Flourescents have also come a long way, in fact the bulbs are now offered in several sizes and even warm and cool colors. Here are some th

ings to keep in mind when using CFLS:

Go to www.energystar.gov for further information

3. CFLS work best when they are in fixtures that are used often. They are most energy efficient when used for two hours at a time or more.

2. When you are ready to dispose of your CFL bulbs you will need to dispose of them properly since they do contain mercury. Go to www.epa.gov/bulbrecycling for more info.

1. If you have a dimmer or a three way socket on your lights, you will need to get a specific CFL that is compatible

Showing Your Self

I think one of my favorite things to do with my clients is to personalize their space. There is just something so fun about learning about who they are and what unique interests they might have. For example- a client I am currently working on loves teapots. So we are designing a unique and well-lit display hutch piece in her kitchen to house her delicate teapot collection.

Here are some ways to show yourself in your space:

1. Collections- Teapots, vases, cookbooks,handmade pottery, antique jello molds, martini glasses, colorful dishes, copperware and whatever else you might have boxed up in the basement.

2. Art- Art can add so much to a space. Try not to think too hard on this one- just a piece that means something to you. Even a child's fingerpainting can add a personality to a space- not to mention color!

3. Color- I really think that color is really a matter of personal taste and preference. One of my best girlfriend's has the brightest sunshine yellow walls in her kitchen that I have ever seen. But she loves it- and it definitely fits her personality perfectly. So go for it!

behind closed doors

….you never know what goes on or what wonderful storage secrets are behind those closed doors. Beautiful cabinet doors set the feel for your whole kitchen but it is the interiors of the cabinets that make YOUR life easier. Below are a few of my favorite “behind closed doors” storage/organizing solutions.

Self-closing doors….sounds lazy but it’s oh so nice to give it a nudge and know that all those drawers are back nice and neat and little to no flour all over the hardware.

Slotted cabinets…a must for cookie sheets, serving trays, unusual shaped dishes, make sure you have some extra wide slots; I keep a shallow but very large round pasta bowl in mine.

Cook top drawers deep drawers underneath the cook top keep pots and pans hidden but easily accessible.

Spice drawer make yours vertical or horizontal these areas are great for grouping all your spices.

Dish Drawers... I am so excited about these…I am the one who empties the dishwasher and then lifts the dishes up over my head…I’m only 5’3” … to put them away. I can’t wait to use the dish drawers, pull the drawer out and set them in. No more hits in the head from a stray cereal bowl!

Keep warm

Speaking of Super Bowls....

Being a KU fan I am excited when it comes to Bowl talk…but this blog is about kitchen bowls…you know sinks.

What all do you wash in your sink besides dishes, babies, small dogs, maybe you want a little more info on what is available.

There is the practical stainless steel to the beautiful hand crafted copper and everything in between and that goes for pricing and solutions too.

A few things to remember if you are at the sink for long lengths of time how about making sure there is a window behind it or better yet in a corner so you have two windows

Just make sure the divider on your corner sinks is low enough to allow you to switch the faucet from side to side without water overflowing the counter.

I have found that deep is better, I am always letting pans soak for a while and I love the faucets with the pullout power sprays for heavy clean up.

I prefer an under mount sink, it makes clean up so easy and the finish of the sink, for me depends on what type of look I want in the kitchen.

I spend a lot of time there so I want it to look fabulous but it has to be functional too.

Rock Chalk, Jayhawk...go KU

Debby Schloegel